Jana's View Column Articles
Goldwater's Group Goes After Arpaio , September
Something's amiss when even the Most Conservative Think Tank in Arizona is calling on Sheriff Joe to get his act together..
Yes, Sanra Dowling Was Innocent , August
The Bogus Criminal Charges she faced cost her everything, and now she's suing to get some semblance of her life back..
When You're an All-American City , July
Even before the next All-American City awards are announced, there's reason to celebrate what make Phoenix a great place to live.
(Un)Clean Sweep , June
Lawmakers have used voter-restricted funds to bolster Arizona's wobbly budget. But the 'Funding Seeps' have left behind on big mess..
Body Brokers, May
Elder Abuse cases are on the rise in Arizona, thanks to lowly "Body Brokers" who prey on those with little family and lots of cash.
What Would Janet Do?, April
In the midst of Arizona’s budget crisis, and with a new governor blaming her predecessor, we have to wonder what Janet Napolitano would’ve done to get us out of this mess.
Director's Cut, March
Filmmakers are planning a movie about the murder of Arizona journalist Don Bolles, But which story will they tell?
Mail Order Pride, February
Here’s the first thing the Legislature should consider as it starts its new session - a complete mail-in election system for Arizona.
If I Were Queen, January
Queen Jana has 10 resolutions for Arizona in 2009. She’s tackling pollution, childish Lawmakers and same-sex marriage opponents.
Paper Jam, December
What's black, white and read all over? These days, it's not a newspaper. Massive changes to the EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE could turn the valley into a one-paper town, and that's not good for anyone.
Arizona Voters: Shut Up!, November
A proposition on the November ballot would destroy Arizona voters' ability to directly tell their government what to do.
Behind Bones, October
Jana first wrote about the murder of a valley businesswoman for this magazine. Now, she's turned her stories into a book, due out this month.
The War on Media, September
Itâs not just THE NEW TIMES getting the shaft. Just about every media outlet in the state has been a victim of Sheriff Joeâs shenanigans.
Dibor Robert’s Nightmare, August
Dibor Roberts says she simply wanted to get to a lighted area. The deputy pursuing her thought differently. Now, as she fights a felony conviction, you have to ask, whereâs the justice for Dibor Roberts?
Strangers of Mercy, July
If you've heard of the 100 Club, chances are you've lost someone you love. this little-known organization shows up when tragedy strikes to help the grieving families of First-Responders.
What Happened to Joe Arpaio?, June
Once upon a time, Sheriff Joe was a voice of reason when it came to illegal immigration. so why did he take a 180-degree turn?
The Little Trolly that Could, May
As Phoenix preps itself for an intricate light rail system, one man is trying to save the remnants of the city's first go at mass transit.
It’s Elementary, April
Unifying the City's many school districts seems like a logical way to put more money into classrooms, but voters may not let this idea move to the head of the class come November.
Near-Death Experience, March
Two lives were nearly ruined the night a PHOENIX magazine columnist drank a glass of wine and got behind the wheel. Luckily, Arizona's new DUI laws saved them both.
Home Sweet Mortgaged Home, February
As the national as the mortgage crisis consumes neighborhoods across the country, one company is helping valley homeowners out of the mess.
If I Were Queen, January
It's time to be Queen for a minute. That's all they give me, just this one column once a year, in which I get to pretend I could change/improve/enlighten/fix the 48th state. If I could just be the all-powerful Queen of Arizona.
Handbook of Acceptance, December
A new Muslim handbook for teenagers is fighting ignorance and the burning question of youth. The Paradise Valley family who wrote the book knows a little something about both.
We're No. 1, November
From carpooling to 'Kids Voting', Arizona leads the nation in some pretty positive ways, but not all of our first-place distinctions are worthy bragging about.
Disorder in the Court, October
Sheriff Joe Arpaio has seen his fairs share of lawsuits alleging lousy conditions in his jails, but the mother of all cases is one he inherited from the 70's - and it still hasn't been settled.
Downtown Phoenix Public Market, September
IT'S 6:30 A.M. ON A SATURDAY MORNING and Tommy Davis is setting out his grandmother's home-canned goods at the Downtown Phoenix Public Market. Today, Earnestness "Ernie" Riley has pickled beets, chow-chow, strawberry-rhubarb jam and a new batch of the best blueberry jelly you've ever tasted, made from berries flown in from Maine.
From the Mouths of Babes, August
Kids sat the darn'dest things, but when it comes to conserving Arizona's Wetlands, they seem to find just the right words. Such was the case during this year's statewide junior Duck Stamp Competition.
Breaking the Cycle, July
The Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church of Phoenix might use the "e" word, but its revolutionary health care clinic and other outreach programs prove it's not one of those evangelical churches. In fact, it's anything but.
Graduation Day, June
Sheriff Joe takes a lot of flak for his antics, but here's something that deserves applause ö an inmate drug rehabilitation program that actually works.
Loan Rangers, May
Because interest rates of 595 percent are just plain ridiculous, a Republican legislator and a Democratic attorney general are working to rein in the so-called "payday loans."
Centennial Countdown, April
Oklahoma spent nearly a decade planning its Centennial. Arizona, which turns 100 in five years, has barely gotten started. Itâs time to get going.
Monumental Debate, March
It seemed like a no-brainer ö build a 9/11 memorial on Arizonaâs Government Mall. What should have been easy, however, turned ugly.
Road Rage, February
The proposed South Mountain Freeway is annoying people everywhere, from homeowners and taxpayers to Native Americans and everyone who loves South Mountain Park.
New Year's Resolutions, January
Itâs that time again. Time for Jana to assume the role of "Queen of Arizona" and share her thoughts on how the Grand Canyon State could be a little better.
Inconceivable in 1966, December
From Indian gaming to a World Series title, Phoenix has seen a lot of changes since 1966. Here are 40 things we never imagined would happen 40 years ago.
Teach the Children, November
Educate all of Arizonaâs children. It seems like a no-brainer, but two competing ballot propositions this month are clouding the real issues.
Beware of Prop. 107, October
Despite what supporters say, the "Protect Marriage Arizona" amendment would deny "basic legal rights and benefits" to all committed couples, gay and straight.
Don't Touch, September
Despite all kinds of reasons to avoid them, Arizona is converting its voting system to touch-screen machines. The problem is, they canât be trusted.
The Amazing Race?, August
Hardly. In fact, the idea of staging an Indy-like auto race Downtown is just plain ridiculous, not to mention a logistical nightmare for businesses and residents.
A Day at Driving School, July
Nobody wants to go, but a grueling day at driving school with a dictatorial instructor will make you a better driver, and Arizona definitely needs some better drivers.
Fallen Angel, June
Betty Rhodes used to be a good Catholic, known as the woman with the heavenly voice. But then a priest molested her children, and suddenly, no one was listening.
Parental Alienation, May
Abusive fathers are convincing the courts that mothers are ãcoachingä their kids to fear their fathers. Itâs called Parental Alienation Syndrome, and itâs a serious issue.
Elder Abuse, April
Domestic violence comes in many forms, including the abuse of senior citizens. It's a growing problem, especially in Arizona, which ranks No. 1 in the nation.
A Vote for the City, March
On March 14, Phoenix voters will decide whether the city should spend millions on its police and fire departments, parks and ASU's Downtown campus, among other things.
Two Pasts, One Vision, February
He's a Mormon Republican. She's a Catholic Democrat. Despite their differences, Don Stapley and Mary Rose Wilcox share a common love for Arizona.
New Year's Resolutions, January
It's that time again. Time for Jana to assume the role of "Queen of Arizona" and share her thoughts on how the state could be a little better.
Dateline Phoenix, 1972, December
For a reporter covering the news in the '70s, the landscape was a little different, especially Downtown, where officials tried to put a freeway over Central Avenue
Mental Help, November
When Toby House opened 34 years ago, it was Arizona's first residential treatment center for citizens with mental illness, and one of the first in the nation. Today, it's still going strong.
Corporate Giving, October
Corporate goodwill is nothing new, but Social Venture Partners takes its charitable giving a step further. As you'll see, it's very impressive.
All About Bullies, September
Bullying and name-calling are nothing new, but the effects are worse than ever, which is why a group of junior-high students in Gilbert is taking action.
Family Reunion, August
A lot of foreign adoptions turn into horror stories, and this one was no exception - that is, until a loud voice begged for help.
Prison Moms and Girl Scouts, July
For 10 years, the county has had a program that allows Girl Scouts to spend time with their jailed moms. Now, the program has been expanded to Perryville Prison.
Put it in Writing, June
If the Terri Schiavo case taught us anything, it's that we need to have our things in order - just like they do in Hudson, Ohio.
My Trip to the Doctor, May
Knee replacements are becoming commonplace. What's less common is the kind of medical care you can find right here in the Valley. It's second-to-none.
Lights, Camera, Action, April
There was a time when Arizona was the first choice for movie producers. That's no longer the case, but the governor is taking steps to recapture Hollywood's attention.
All-Day Kindergarden, March
Although the local business community supports it, Senator John Huppenthal is doing everything he can do to shut it down ö heâs even distorting the facts.
No Butts About It, February
Ten states have statewide smoking bans, and the American Cancer Society would definitely like to add Arizona to the list ö perhaps as early as 2006.
New Year's Resolutions, January
It's that time of year again. Time for Jana Bommersbach to assume the role of "Queen of Arizona" and share her thoughts on how the state could be better.
Santa's Miracles, December
If you think Santa works only one night a year, then you haven't met the real Santa. As it turns out, he's helping Valley kids year-round.
Gimme Shelter, November
Mimicking a model that's worked in Philadelphia, Phoenix is on a mission to not only curb homelessness, but end it altogether.
Your Vote Counts, October
For men, the right to vote has always been there. For women, it came after a long hard battle. Whichever you are, come November, exercise that right.
Out on a Limb, September
Well, the next time you're out there, feeling down and ready to give up, remember what Winston Churchill said: "If you're going through hell, keep going."
Fixin' Up Downtown, August
There was a time when you could shoot a canon down the streets of Downtown and not hit a single thing. Not anymore. It still has a long way to go, but things are definitely looking up.
Women & Religion, July
Christianity, Judaism, Islam... when you get right down to it, they all have a lousy track record when it comes to the treatment of women.
The House That Bonnie Built, June
It isn't very big, but in its own little way, Bonnie Cohn's crisis shelter does something extremely important. Just ask the abused and abandoned children who have found safety within its walls.
Welfare State, May
You'd think that a company that counts its profits in the billions would be able to pay its employees enough to keep them off of welfare. Not so. In Arizona, Wal-Mart has at least 404 families collecting benefits from the state.
The Legacy of Cesar, April
In the 10 years since his death, Arizona native Cesar Chavez has been honored with a postage stamp and the respect of Senator John McCain. More importantly, his message is now being used to educate children.
Marriage Counsel, March
Death-row inmates can marry. So can first cousins, child abusers and Britney Spears. So why not same-sex couples? Well, the Arizona Supreme Court is about to tackle that question.
Put It There!, February
Jimmy Carter travels the world to promote the idea of being a good neighbor. That same idea could go a long way in the state of Arizona, too.
If I Were Queen of Arizona, January
Oh, would I be queen; What a queen I would be; How wise and fair and just; I'd make you see; You'd love to do what I decree; Would I be queen.
Silver Bells, December
It's the 25th anniversary of the Hoover Street Christmas party, and once again, Santa Claus is comin' to town.
Reflecting on Vietnam, November
Whether you supported the war or opposed it, a trip to the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C., is bound to bring back a flood of memories.?
Church and State, October
Seven of 16 leadership positions in the Arizona Legislature are held by Mormons, including the top spots in each chamber. That's anything but insignificant, but how significant is it?
Party of the Century, September
It's still almost nine years away, but plans are already in the works for Arizona's 100th birthday celebration.
Reading is Fundamental, August
It's hard to learn without books, but in many Arizona schools, books are hard to find, and that's where Wells Fargo comes in.
The Naked Truth, July
Girls who bare their breasts for film crews are "dumber than duh"
System Failure, June
No matter who you ask ö Republicans, Democrats ö just about everyone will tell you that Arizonaâs Child Protective Services doesnât work. Itâs so bad that the governor and county attorney have stepped in to try and fix the problem.
Parole Model, May
Prison's tough, but getting out can be even tougher, and that's where "Women Living Free" comes in. Based at Perryville Prison, it's an innovative program that gives ex-cons a fighting chance.
We've Been Railroaded, April
When Amtrak pulled out a few years ago, it left Phoenix as the only major American city without a passenger train, and the way Congress is talking, there's no light at the end of the tunnel.
Gimme Shelter, March
Four years ago, Arizona ranked 16th nationally in the number of women killed by men in cases of domestic violence. Today, it's number two, which means a lot of women are in desperate need of some help.
The Concrete Monster that Ate Downtown Phoenix, February
While everyone agrees on the need for an expanded convention center, the proposed design has some folks in a state of panic.
If I were Queen of Arizona, January
Going Away Gift, December 2002
A story of life, death and three figurines that are making this holiday season something special.
2009 Jana's Views Articles
Something's amiss when even the Most Conservative Think Tank in Arizona is calling on Sheriff Joe to get his act together..
The Bogus Criminal Charges she faced cost her everything, and now she's suing to get some semblance of her life back..
Even before the next All-American City awards are announced, there's reason to celebrate what make Phoenix a great place to live.
Lawmakers have used voter-restricted funds to bolster Arizona's wobbly budget. But the 'Funding Seeps' have left behind on big mess..
Elder Abuse cases are on the rise in Arizona, thanks to lowly "Body Brokers" who prey on those with little family and lots of cash.
In the midst of Arizona’s budget crisis, and with a new governor blaming her predecessor, we have to wonder what Janet Napolitano would’ve done to get us out of this mess.
Filmmakers are planning a movie about the murder of Arizona journalist Don Bolles, But which story will they tell?
Here’s the first thing the Legislature should consider as it starts its new session - a complete mail-in election system for Arizona.
Queen Jana has 10 resolutions for Arizona in 2009. She’s tackling pollution, childish Lawmakers and same-sex marriage opponents.
2008 Jana's Views Articles
What's black, white and read all over? These days, it's not a newspaper. Massive changes to the EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE could turn the valley into a one-paper town, and that's not good for anyone.
A proposition on the November ballot would destroy Arizona voters' ability to directly tell their government what to do.
Jana first wrote about the murder of a valley businesswoman for this magazine. Now, she's turned her stories into a book, due out this month.
Itâs not just THE NEW TIMES getting the shaft. Just about every media outlet in the state has been a victim of Sheriff Joeâs shenanigans.
Dibor Roberts says she simply wanted to get to a lighted area. The deputy pursuing her thought differently. Now, as she fights a felony conviction, you have to ask, whereâs the justice for Dibor Roberts?
If you've heard of the 100 Club, chances are you've lost someone you love. this little-known organization shows up when tragedy strikes to help the grieving families of First-Responders.
Once upon a time, Sheriff Joe was a voice of reason when it came to illegal immigration. so why did he take a 180-degree turn?
As Phoenix preps itself for an intricate light rail system, one man is trying to save the remnants of the city's first go at mass transit.
Unifying the City's many school districts seems like a logical way to put more money into classrooms, but voters may not let this idea move to the head of the class come November.
Two lives were nearly ruined the night a PHOENIX magazine columnist drank a glass of wine and got behind the wheel. Luckily, Arizona's new DUI laws saved them both.
As the national as the mortgage crisis consumes neighborhoods across the country, one company is helping valley homeowners out of the mess.
It's time to be Queen for a minute. That's all they give me, just this one column once a year, in which I get to pretend I could change/improve/enlighten/fix the 48th state. If I could just be the all-powerful Queen of Arizona.
2007 Jana's Views Articles
A new Muslim handbook for teenagers is fighting ignorance and the burning question of youth. The Paradise Valley family who wrote the book knows a little something about both.
From carpooling to 'Kids Voting', Arizona leads the nation in some pretty positive ways, but not all of our first-place distinctions are worthy bragging about.
Sheriff Joe Arpaio has seen his fairs share of lawsuits alleging lousy conditions in his jails, but the mother of all cases is one he inherited from the 70's - and it still hasn't been settled.
IT'S 6:30 A.M. ON A SATURDAY MORNING and Tommy Davis is setting out his grandmother's home-canned goods at the Downtown Phoenix Public Market. Today, Earnestness "Ernie" Riley has pickled beets, chow-chow, strawberry-rhubarb jam and a new batch of the best blueberry jelly you've ever tasted, made from berries flown in from Maine.
Kids sat the darn'dest things, but when it comes to conserving Arizona's Wetlands, they seem to find just the right words. Such was the case during this year's statewide junior Duck Stamp Competition.
The Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church of Phoenix might use the "e" word, but its revolutionary health care clinic and other outreach programs prove it's not one of those evangelical churches. In fact, it's anything but.
Sheriff Joe takes a lot of flak for his antics, but here's something that deserves applause ö an inmate drug rehabilitation program that actually works.
Because interest rates of 595 percent are just plain ridiculous, a Republican legislator and a Democratic attorney general are working to rein in the so-called "payday loans."
Oklahoma spent nearly a decade planning its Centennial. Arizona, which turns 100 in five years, has barely gotten started. Itâs time to get going.
It seemed like a no-brainer ö build a 9/11 memorial on Arizonaâs Government Mall. What should have been easy, however, turned ugly.
The proposed South Mountain Freeway is annoying people everywhere, from homeowners and taxpayers to Native Americans and everyone who loves South Mountain Park.
Itâs that time again. Time for Jana to assume the role of "Queen of Arizona" and share her thoughts on how the Grand Canyon State could be a little better.
2006 Jana's Views Articles
From Indian gaming to a World Series title, Phoenix has seen a lot of changes since 1966. Here are 40 things we never imagined would happen 40 years ago.
Educate all of Arizonaâs children. It seems like a no-brainer, but two competing ballot propositions this month are clouding the real issues.
Despite what supporters say, the "Protect Marriage Arizona" amendment would deny "basic legal rights and benefits" to all committed couples, gay and straight.
Despite all kinds of reasons to avoid them, Arizona is converting its voting system to touch-screen machines. The problem is, they canât be trusted.
Hardly. In fact, the idea of staging an Indy-like auto race Downtown is just plain ridiculous, not to mention a logistical nightmare for businesses and residents.
Nobody wants to go, but a grueling day at driving school with a dictatorial instructor will make you a better driver, and Arizona definitely needs some better drivers.
Betty Rhodes used to be a good Catholic, known as the woman with the heavenly voice. But then a priest molested her children, and suddenly, no one was listening.
Abusive fathers are convincing the courts that mothers are ãcoachingä their kids to fear their fathers. Itâs called Parental Alienation Syndrome, and itâs a serious issue.
Domestic violence comes in many forms, including the abuse of senior citizens. It's a growing problem, especially in Arizona, which ranks No. 1 in the nation.
On March 14, Phoenix voters will decide whether the city should spend millions on its police and fire departments, parks and ASU's Downtown campus, among other things.
He's a Mormon Republican. She's a Catholic Democrat. Despite their differences, Don Stapley and Mary Rose Wilcox share a common love for Arizona.
It's that time again. Time for Jana to assume the role of "Queen of Arizona" and share her thoughts on how the state could be a little better.
2005 Jana's Views Articles
For a reporter covering the news in the '70s, the landscape was a little different, especially Downtown, where officials tried to put a freeway over Central Avenue
When Toby House opened 34 years ago, it was Arizona's first residential treatment center for citizens with mental illness, and one of the first in the nation. Today, it's still going strong.
Corporate goodwill is nothing new, but Social Venture Partners takes its charitable giving a step further. As you'll see, it's very impressive.
Bullying and name-calling are nothing new, but the effects are worse than ever, which is why a group of junior-high students in Gilbert is taking action.
A lot of foreign adoptions turn into horror stories, and this one was no exception - that is, until a loud voice begged for help.
For 10 years, the county has had a program that allows Girl Scouts to spend time with their jailed moms. Now, the program has been expanded to Perryville Prison.
If the Terri Schiavo case taught us anything, it's that we need to have our things in order - just like they do in Hudson, Ohio.
Knee replacements are becoming commonplace. What's less common is the kind of medical care you can find right here in the Valley. It's second-to-none.
There was a time when Arizona was the first choice for movie producers. That's no longer the case, but the governor is taking steps to recapture Hollywood's attention.
Although the local business community supports it, Senator John Huppenthal is doing everything he can do to shut it down ö heâs even distorting the facts.
Ten states have statewide smoking bans, and the American Cancer Society would definitely like to add Arizona to the list ö perhaps as early as 2006.
It's that time of year again. Time for Jana Bommersbach to assume the role of "Queen of Arizona" and share her thoughts on how the state could be better.
2004 Jana's Views Articles
If you think Santa works only one night a year, then you haven't met the real Santa. As it turns out, he's helping Valley kids year-round.
Mimicking a model that's worked in Philadelphia, Phoenix is on a mission to not only curb homelessness, but end it altogether.
For men, the right to vote has always been there. For women, it came after a long hard battle. Whichever you are, come November, exercise that right.
Well, the next time you're out there, feeling down and ready to give up, remember what Winston Churchill said: "If you're going through hell, keep going."
There was a time when you could shoot a canon down the streets of Downtown and not hit a single thing. Not anymore. It still has a long way to go, but things are definitely looking up.
Christianity, Judaism, Islam... when you get right down to it, they all have a lousy track record when it comes to the treatment of women.
It isn't very big, but in its own little way, Bonnie Cohn's crisis shelter does something extremely important. Just ask the abused and abandoned children who have found safety within its walls.
You'd think that a company that counts its profits in the billions would be able to pay its employees enough to keep them off of welfare. Not so. In Arizona, Wal-Mart has at least 404 families collecting benefits from the state.
In the 10 years since his death, Arizona native Cesar Chavez has been honored with a postage stamp and the respect of Senator John McCain. More importantly, his message is now being used to educate children.
Death-row inmates can marry. So can first cousins, child abusers and Britney Spears. So why not same-sex couples? Well, the Arizona Supreme Court is about to tackle that question.
Jimmy Carter travels the world to promote the idea of being a good neighbor. That same idea could go a long way in the state of Arizona, too.
Oh, would I be queen; What a queen I would be; How wise and fair and just; I'd make you see; You'd love to do what I decree; Would I be queen.
2003 Jana's Views Articles
It's the 25th anniversary of the Hoover Street Christmas party, and once again, Santa Claus is comin' to town.
Whether you supported the war or opposed it, a trip to the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C., is bound to bring back a flood of memories.?
Seven of 16 leadership positions in the Arizona Legislature are held by Mormons, including the top spots in each chamber. That's anything but insignificant, but how significant is it?
It's still almost nine years away, but plans are already in the works for Arizona's 100th birthday celebration.
It's hard to learn without books, but in many Arizona schools, books are hard to find, and that's where Wells Fargo comes in.
Girls who bare their breasts for film crews are "dumber than duh"
No matter who you ask ö Republicans, Democrats ö just about everyone will tell you that Arizonaâs Child Protective Services doesnât work. Itâs so bad that the governor and county attorney have stepped in to try and fix the problem.
Prison's tough, but getting out can be even tougher, and that's where "Women Living Free" comes in. Based at Perryville Prison, it's an innovative program that gives ex-cons a fighting chance.
When Amtrak pulled out a few years ago, it left Phoenix as the only major American city without a passenger train, and the way Congress is talking, there's no light at the end of the tunnel.
Four years ago, Arizona ranked 16th nationally in the number of women killed by men in cases of domestic violence. Today, it's number two, which means a lot of women are in desperate need of some help.
While everyone agrees on the need for an expanded convention center, the proposed design has some folks in a state of panic.
A story of life, death and three figurines that are making this holiday season something special.